Courts / Wicklow / Report
Man who choked ex and attacked her with plank has jail sentence overturned
Summary
A 27‑year‑old man who attacked his ex‑partner by choking her and striking her with a plank of timber in her own home had his nine‑month custodial sentence overturned. He had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm under the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, and was originally sentenced in the District Court to nine months with four months suspended. In the appeal, Sergeant Paul O'Sullivan described the assault, noting the man's hands around the woman's neck, the use of a plank, and punches that injured her wrists. The victim's impact statement detailed bruises, a near loss of consciousness, and lasting mental distress that made everyday tasks feel impossible. The defendant's solicitor said the man had relapsed, was not taking medication, and had since sought mental health treatment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who choked ex and attacked her with plank has jail sentence overturned. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at a house in Co Wicklow on October 26, 2023, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 26, 2023 Incident
- 2025-03-25 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: assault causing harm at a house in Co Wicklow on October 26, 2023, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The man was previously given a nine month prison sentence with four months suspended in the District Court. The judge imposed the maximum on summary conviction for the offence of 12 months imprisonment but fully suspended it for a period of two years, under the condition that the man not contact the victim and continue availing of mental health services.
Places mentioned
- Paul O'Sullivan of Ashford Garda Station
- Ashford
- District Court Appeals Court
Topics
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